In this course, you will learn crucial British Sign Language vocabulary, grammar, and conversational abilities. In addition, you will discover more about deaf culture and gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties faced by those who have hearing loss.
This Course At A Glance
Live Zoom classes with an expert BSL tutor, Adam Linsdell.
Gain an extensive understanding of fingerspelling and several greetings.
Discover the deaf culture and deaf awareness in depth.
Acquire knowledge of several commonly used questions, basic conversations, and more.
High-Quality resources that will help you to learn BSL easily.
CPD-accredited certificates recognised by employers and professional organisations.
Enhance your communication skills through practical exercises.
British Sign Language for Beginners Course Overview
Do you want to start your learning journey in British Sign Language? Our new curriculum for the CPD Accredited BSL Beginners Course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in British Sign Language.
With our experienced instructors, you will learn essential vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills to communicate with the Deaf community confidently. Additionally, our interactive ZOOM Live sessions and face-to-face practical exercises will enhance your understanding and fluency in BSL.
Our curriculum is designed to cater to both beginners and those with prior knowledge of singing. You'll learn the basics through a guided approach and develop your skills with practical exercises and real-life scenarios. Our ZOOM live lessons span over 10 hours, with 2 hours per week. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the necessary tools to communicate with the Deaf community and create meaningful connections effectively.
British Sign Language for Beginners, Autumn 2023
Please book your place in advance
Weekly via Zoom Online Live Class. You can attend the class online from home/workplace.
Day & Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Thursday, 2 hours per week)
Class Starts: October 26, 2023 - November 23, 2023
Venue: Zoom Online
Teacher: Adam Linsdell
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for people, groups, or organizations that want to improve their interaction with deaf coworkers, clients, friends, and family. It is also ideal for those interested in learning sign language as a means of communication or for personal enrichment. Whether you are a beginner or have some knowledge of sign language, this course will provide you with the necessary skills to effectively communicate with the deaf community.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the BSL Beginners Course, participants will achieve the following learning outcomes:
Gain extensive knowledge of deaf culture and BSL.
Utilise communication tactics with deaf people.
Identify communication aids and accessibility provisions for deaf people, and explain equality legislation.
Fingerspell names and unfamiliar words with confidence and accuracy, facilitating effective communication.
Develop short conversations and ask questions about a range of simple, everyday topics, enabling meaningful interactions and connections.
Demonstrate a basic vocabulary for greetings, meeting people, and number signs.
Be able to express ideas and engage in basic communication in BSL.
Join us and embark on an exciting learning journey that will open doors to a whole new world of communication. Enrol in the Introduction to BSL Beginners Course - CPD Certified Zoom Live, F-to-F Training Now!
Course Curriculum
The history of deafness and the origins of sign language
We look back through history and consider how attitudes and policies impact deaf people then and now. As we delve into the history of deafness, it becomes evident that societal attitudes and policies have played a significant role in shaping the experiences of deaf individuals.
Experiences of deafness
You'll gain an insight into unique communities that identify not as a group with a disability but as cultural minorities with their own language. By understanding these communities and their experiences, we can challenge the notion that deafness is solely a disability and instead recognize it as a diverse and valuable aspect of human diversity.
Statistics around hearing loss
Learn about the Statistics around hearing loss that will also help you realise how important it is to learn BSL. Understanding these statistics can provide a broader perspective on the prevalence and impact of this condition. Communication tactics: Understanding the best communication tactics with deaf people is crucial in fostering effective and inclusive interactions. By utilizing methods such as sign language interpretation, visual aids, and assistive technologies, we can bridge the communication gap and create a more inclusive society for individuals with hearing loss.
Communications aids and support
You will learn about some commonly available communication aids and support from qualified communication-support professionals, including technology such as real-time speech-to-text.
Technology and equipment
Learn about the technology and equipment we can use while communicating with deaf people. This includes devices like hearing aids, cochlear implants, and video relay services, which enable individuals with hearing loss to communicate effectively.
Access and Equality Legislation
We look at why equal access is important, the effectiveness of lipreading, guidance on good communication, and adjustments related to deafness.
Greetings
Learn essential BSL greetings to initiate conversations and create a welcoming atmosphere. These greetings include basic phrases such as "hello," "good morning," "how are you?" and more which are essential for establishing rapport and building relationships with deaf individuals.
The BSL Alphabet and Fingerspelling
Master the BSL alphabet and develop the ability to fingerspell words accurately, facilitating clear communication of names and unfamiliar vocabulary. This skill will enhance your overall fluency in BSL and make conversations more inclusive and accessible for everyone involved.
Meeting People
Acquire the skills to introduce yourself and engage in basic conversations, enabling you to establish connections and build rapport with the deaf community. These skills will not only help you in social settings but also in professional environments where you may need to interact with deaf individuals.
Questions
Develop proficiency in asking questions using sign language, allowing for effective communication and understanding in various contexts. It enables you to gather information, clarify doubts, and engage in meaningful conversations, fostering stronger connections and relationships with deaf individuals.
Numbers
Explore the world of numbers in BSL, equipping you with the knowledge to express numerical concepts accurately. This skill is particularly useful in educational settings, as it allows you to teach and learn mathematical concepts using sign language. Additionally, understanding numbers in BSL can also be beneficial in professional settings, such as when discussing age, quantities, financial matters, or analysing data.
Basic Conversations
Enhance your conversational skills by learning vocabulary and phrases related to simple, everyday topics, empowering you to engage in meaningful exchanges. By improving your conversational skills in BSL, you can confidently communicate with deaf individuals and create inclusive environments. This can be especially valuable in social settings or when working in customer service roles where effective communication is essential.
Customised Content (Depending on Participant's Interests)
The course content can be tailored to your interests, allowing for exploration of areas such as colours, animals, and travel within the context of BSL. Learning BSL can also provide a deeper understanding of deaf culture and foster empathy toward the challenges faced by the deaf community. Moreover, being able to communicate in BSL can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as volunteering or working in organisations that support the deaf community.
Recognised Accreditation
CPD Certification Service
This course is accredited by continuing professional development (CPD). CPD UK is globally recognised by employers, professional organisations, and academic institutions, thus a certificate from CPD Certification Service creates value towards your professional goal and achievement.
CPD certificates are accepted by thousands of professional bodies and government regulators here in the UK and around the world. Many organisations look for employees with CPD requirements, which means, that by doing this course, you would be a potential candidate in your respective field.
Certificate of Achievement
Certificate of Achievement from Lead Academy
After successfully completing the live training, you will be eligible to receive your certificate of achievement as proof of your new skill. The certificate of achievement is an official credential that confirms that you successfully finished a course with Lead Academy. Certificate can be obtained in PDF version as well as hardcopy version at a free of cost.
FAQs
How long is the BSL Beginners Training Course?
The BSL Beginners Course is typically a 10-hour program.
How many levels are there in BSL?
In BSL, there are six levels that individuals can progress through to develop their signing skills. Each level builds upon the previous one, allowing individuals to gradually expand their vocabulary, grammar, and fluency in the language. These levels provide a structured framework for learning BSL and enable individuals to achieve proficiency in both receptive and expressive signing abilities.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the course?
No, there are no prerequisites for enrolling in the BSL Beginners Training Course. It is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of British Sign Language.
Is there a certificate provided upon completion of the course?
Yes, upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate can be used to showcase your proficiency in British Sign Language to potential employers or educational institutions.
What is the duration of each live Zoom session?
The duration of each live Zoom session is typically two hours. This allows for a focused and interactive learning experience while accommodating busy schedules.
How many students are typically in each class?
Typically, there are around 10 -15 students in each class. This class size allows for individual attention from the instructor and promotes a collaborative learning environment among peers.
How do I start learning BSL?
To start learning British Sign Language (BSL), you can enrol in an Introduction to British Sign Language - BSL Zoom Live Course offered by Lead Academy or find online resources that offer introductory lessons. It is important to practise regularly and immerse yourself in the language by interacting with the Deaf community or joining sign language clubs. Lead Academy's Zoom classes provides you with an interactive learning experience where you can practise your signing skills with a qualified instructor and fellow learners.
Why is BSL important?
BSL is important because it allows deaf individuals to communicate effectively and participate fully in society. It is their native language and provides them with a means to express themselves, access information, and engage in social interactions. Additionally, BSL promotes inclusivity and helps bridge the communication gap between deaf and hearing individuals, fostering understanding and equality.